When do I use "Rise" and when do I use "Raise"?

Does the subject go up on its own? "Rise". Does someone lift something (direct object present)? "Raise".

What is the most common mistake with "Rise" and "Raise"?

"The government rises the prices" is wrong: "rise" is intransitive (the subject goes up on its own). To lift something, use the transitive "raise": "The government RAISES prices." "Rise" = move upward with no direct object. "Raise" = lift something with a direct object.

How do I remember the difference between "Rise" and "Raise"?

"Rise" = the subject acts on its own (sun, prices, water). "Raise" = someone lifts something (raises a hand, prices, children). Does something move another? Use "raise." Does it move itself? Use "rise."

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RisevsRaise

One rises by itself, the other you raise with your own effort.

Side-by-side comparison

Rise

verb

"Rise" is intransitive: something goes up on its own, without anyone moving it. "The sun rises" = the sun comes up. "Prices are rising" = prices are going up on their own. Past tense: "rose".

The sun rises at 6 a.m. in summer.
Prices have risen sharply this year.
The balloon rose slowly into the sky.

Raise

verb

"Raise" is transitive: you lift or increase something. Always requires a direct object. "Raise your hand" = lift your hand. "Raise children" = bring up children. Past tense: "raised".

The company raised its prices last month.
Please raise your hand if you have a question.
They raised three children on their own.

Common mistake

•"The government rises the prices" is wrong: "rise" is intransitive (the subject goes up on its own).
•To lift something, use the transitive "raise": "The government RAISES prices." "Rise" = move upward with no direct object.
•"Raise" = lift something with a direct object.

Trick to remember it

•"Rise" = the subject acts on its own (sun, prices, water).
•"Raise" = someone lifts something (raises a hand, prices, children).
•Does something move another? Use "raise." Does it move itself? Use "rise."

Quick rule

•Does the subject go up on its own? "Rise".
•Does someone lift something (direct object present)? "Raise".

Did you know?

In American English, "raise a child" is the standard expression. In British English, "bring up a child" is preferred. This difference is interesting because it reflects two distinct metaphors: in American English, raising a child is "elevating" them (raise = to lift); in British English, it is "carrying them upward" (bring up = to take upward). Both metaphors are vertical but with different verbs. And in American English RAISE also applies to farm animals: "raise cattle," "raise chickens." The noun also differs: in American English, a RAISE is a salary increase (in British English: a PAY RISE).